Paralegal Studies Courses
See the list below to view courses offered through these programs of study. Specific course offerings, including selected topics course titles and descriptions, can be viewed for fall, spring and summer terms.
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LA 301U Paralegal I
Credit Hours: 3
DescriptionIntroduction to the judicial system, including the federal and state courts and their jurisdiction and procedures. Introduction to the role of the paralegal in the practice of law and the management of law offices.
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LA 303U Legal Research and Writing I
Credit Hours: 3
DescriptionIntroduction to legal research and writing. Understanding of the use of legal terminology, the basics of legal research, and the styles of various legal documents, including exercises in research and writing.
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LA 304U Legal Research and Writing II
Credit Hours: 3
DescriptionContinuation of Legal Research and Writing I, incorporating more complex legal research and writing with development of legal analytical skills.
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LA 306U Litigation
Credit Hours: 3
DescriptionIt is NOT like television! A reality check on what real litigation looks like, this course provides an introduction to the field of litigation. Covers organization of the generic law office, fact investigation, flow of litigation, court system, commencement and defense of a law suit, discovery, evidence, motions practice, trial and trial preparation. Also touches on settlement and post-trial practice.
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LA 310U Real Estate
Credit Hours: 3
DescriptionLand and its elements; law of fixtures; types of easements and how they are created; acquisition of title and other interest in real estate property by deed, will, inheritance and adverse possession; co-ownership and marital rights; the legal and practical matters of real estate contracts for residential, commercial and construction transactions; plats of survey and legal descriptions; form and substance of deeds; recording priorities; and title examination and title insurance.
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LA 312U Family Law
Credit Hours: 3
DescriptionThis course will cover all areas of family law, including marriage, divorce, annulment, division of property, child custody and support, spousal support and adoption.
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LA 315U Torts
Credit Hours: 3
DescriptionRooted in the blood feud, tort law remains one of the most active areas in the law. Provides an overview of tort law, the tort case, and the three broad areas of intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability (with a focus on the elements of negligence). Also explores products liability, defamation, misrepresentation, malpractice and nuisance.
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LA 316U Contract Law
Credit Hours: 3
DescriptionLaw of formation, legal construction, execution, and enforcement of and remedies under contracts.
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LA 320U Environmental Law
Credit Hours: 3
DescriptionSurvey of issues involved in the field through examination of major cases that have shaped the implementation of major federal environmental statutes since their passage beginning in the 1960s. Topics covered include the common law basis for environmental protection, constitutional and statutory authority to protect the environment, standing to bring environmental cases, the rules of judicial review, and substantive issues involving major environmental statutes and their implementing regulations. The cases are predominantly federal, but Virginia cases are used where appropriate.
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LA 321U Criminal Law
Credit Hours: 3
DescriptionAddresses substantive knowledge, practical skills and competencies and ethical guidelines needed to work in criminal law area.
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LA 322U Legal Technology and Electronic Discovery
Credit Hours: 3
DescriptionIntroduction to the most common uses of technology in legal practice, law firm management, and the judicial system, with a particular emphasis on electronic evidence and discovery. In addition to reading assignments, lecture, and discussion, the course will provide practical experience with technology processes and tools the student is likely to encounter in the legal workplace.
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LA 323U Elder Law
Credit Hours: 3
DescriptionConcerns legal issues associated with the elderly client. Emphasizes the various legal issues encountered in an elder law practice, including the legal documents and forms normally required to address the legal needs of the elderly client.
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LA 325U Wills, Trusts & Estates
Credit Hours: 3
DescriptionThe purpose and need for a Will; the classification and definitions of property; the meaning and ramifications of Testate and Intestate Estates; the legal requirements for a Will; the preparation and drafting of Wills; Advance Directives; Planning for non-traditional families; the elements and purposes of Trusts; specialized Trust and gifts; the Executor or Administrator; Estate administration; tax consideration in estate administration; Probate; and, Ethics associated with an Estate Planning legal practice. Real life examples and Virginia practice resources provided throughout the study.
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LA 398U Selected Topics
Credit Hours: 1-3
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LA 399U Independent Study
Credit Hours: 1-3